Such stimulants are also used and prescribed as medications. Two common central nervous system stimulants are Adderall and Vyvanse.
Adderall vs Vyvanse
The difference between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Adderall is made by mixing four different salts of amphetamine, whereas Vyvanse is composed of only lisdexamfetamine, which is a type of amphetamine salt. Adderall is not a prodrug while Vyvanse is a prodrug, that implies that the body converts the constituents before being active.
Adderall is a type of drug. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine help in controlling impulse and hyperactivity as it acts as a stimulant to the Central Nervous System and chemically affects the nerves and the brain.
While, Vyvanse is a type of drug that is composed up of only one amphetamine salt i.e., lisdexamfetamine. It also helps in controlling impulse and hyperactivity as a stimulant to the CNS.
Comparison Table
Parameters of Comparison | Adderall | Vyvanse |
---|---|---|
Year of legalization | It was legalized in the year 1997. | It was legalized in the year 2007. |
Constituent Salts | Amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. | Lisdexamfetamine salt |
Consumption form | It can be consumed as tablet as well as capsule. | It can be consumed only as a capsule. |
Treatment | It is used for treating sexual desire rate, euphoria, etc. | It is used for treating breakdown and feeling recklessness. |
Recommendation frequency | It is recommended 1 million times in the USA. | It is recommended 4 million times in the USA. |
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a type of drug. The generic name of the drug is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine.Adderall is generally consumed for reducing hyperactivity and improving attentivity tenure.
Adderall is a habit-forming drug and is often exploited for drug abuse. As Adderall is a stimulant it can cause heart attack, stroke and even sudden death to an individual having high blood pressure or any heart disease.
Individuals having high blood pressure, severe anxiety, glaucoma, vascular disease, overactive thyroid, history of drug addiction and heart or any coronary artery disease should not consume Adderall. Adderall is not approved to be consumed by any individual lower than 3 years of age.
A pregnant woman must prescribe a doctor before consuming this drug or it may result in the stillbirth of the baby, premature birth or lower weight of the newborn baby. Individuals who consume Adderall must consume it first in the morning with or without food.
What is Vyvanse?
This drug is used to treat “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD). The drug also has another active ingredient called lysine. The body absorbs lysine rapidly and actively.
There are certain side effects and safety measures one should take before consuming Vyvanse. The dose of the drug can last about 14 hours.
Overconsumption of this drug can cause psychosis in a person who has a history of bipolar or depression. It may also cause fingernails and toes discolouration.
The most common side effects of Vyvanse include insomnia, very fast heart rate, feeling anxious, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach ache, vomiting and loss of weight, etc.
Main Differences Between Adderall and Vyvanse
- The main salts of Adderall are Amphetamine salts, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, whereas the main salt of Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine salt.
- Adderall was legalized in the year 1997, whereas Vyvanse was legalized in the year 2007.
References
- https://guilfordjournals.com/doi/pdf/10.1521/capn.2013.18.4.1
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1087054712468486
My name is Piyush Yadav, and I am a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. You can read more about me on my bio page.